Signs Your Baby Is Too Hot Or Cold While Sleeping

The signs that your baby is too hot at night 

If you’re wondering how to tell if baby is too hot at night, look out for any of the following signs: 

• Sweating or clammy skin 
• Wet hair (from sweat) 
• Rapid breathing 
• Flushed cheeks 
• Lethargic and not responsive 
• Body temperature above 38°C 

How to prevent a baby from overheating 

There are a few things you can do to make sure your baby doesn’t overheat: 

• Check your baby’s temperature at regular intervals by feeling their stomach and/or back 
• Look out for signs of overheating 
• Remove a layer of clothing 
• Change your baby’s sleeping bag or swaddle to a lighter thermal grade 
• Dress your baby according to the room temperature they’re sleeping in 
• Dress your baby in lightweight, breathable clothing 
• If your baby is traveling in a baby capsule, be careful not to overdress your baby with heavy layers (such as sweaters or coats) 
• Ensure your baby stays hydrated 

Preventing overheating in the winter 

During the cooler months it is natural to want to keep your baby warm at night. However, overheating also poses a danger to babies during winter. Here are some things you should avoid: 

• Do not allow your baby to go to sleep wearing a head covering, such as a beanie or bonnet 
• Do not use loose blankets or comforters in the cot 
• Never use electric blankets, heat bags, heat packs or hot water bottles for baby 
• Do not overheat the room your baby is sleeping in 

Preventing overheating in the summer 

When the thermostat is high and everyone in the house is sweating, you may be concerned about your baby overheating. To help prevent this from happening, here are some things you can do: 

• Ensure your baby is not overdressed, a sleeveless bodysuit underneath a lightweight swaddle may be all that is required for sleep in the warmer months 
• Ensure your baby is hydrated 
• Ensure baby’s room is ventilated 
• Ensure you check your baby’s temperature regularly  

The signs that your baby is too cold at night 

If your baby is too cold at night, they will likely be uncomfortable. Some signs that your baby might be too cold are: 

• Shivering 
• Pale complexion 
• Skin is cold to the touch 
• Unsettled and waking frequently 
• Fussiness 

How to keep your baby warm at night 

To keep your baby warm at night there are a few things you can do. Firstly, you should check the temperature of the room your baby is sleeping in and make sure your little one is dressed appropriately for that temperature. Some ways you can do this are: 

• Dress your baby in lightweight, breathable layers so you can adjust them as required 
• Add a sleeveless bodysuit underneath baby’s romper if they’re not warm enough 
• Add a pair of breathable socks if your baby is feeling too cold 
• Use a sleep bag or swaddle with an appropriate TOG rating so that your baby’s comfort temperature stays consistent overnight and there’s no chance it can come loose 

How to dress your baby for the right temperature 

For changing temperatures, it’s a good idea to dress your little one in breathable and well-fitting layered clothing so that you have the option to add or remove layers according to how comfortable your baby is.  

For sleep, check the room temperature to ensure you choose a combination of sleepwear that will be suitable. You could use a romper or bodysuit, or a bodysuit with leggings depending on the temperature. If your baby still feels cold, you could consider adding a sleeveless bodysuit under their romper or using a pair of lightweight, breathable socks. 

Use a TOG rated sleeping bag or swaddle suitable for the temperature of the room. Our TOG rating guide provides suggestions of combinations you could use for a range of conditions, from hot to cold temperatures.